Overview of MDL Trade Apprentice Syllabus 2026
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has unveiled the syllabus and examination scheme for the Trade Apprentice Batch 2026 as part of notification MDL ATS/01/2026. This examination aims to fill a total of 495 Trade Apprentice positions. The Apprentice Training School (ATS) organizes this test. Familiarizing oneself with the syllabus and exam structure is crucial for aspiring candidates, as it aids in effective preparation, understanding the distribution of marks, and focusing on pertinent subjects relevant to their trade group.
MDL Trade Apprentice Examination Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Apprentice Training School |
| Notification No. | MDL ATS/01/2026 |
| Post | Trade Apprentice, Batch 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 495 |
| Selection Stage | Online Written Examination (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Question Paper Medium | Trilingual - Marathi, Hindi and English (the English version is authoritative in case of discrepancies) |
| Exam Date | 8 August 2026 (Saturday) |
| Exam Cities | Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Pune, Kolhapur, Latur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur |
| Admit Card Release | On or after 28 July 2026, via the Apprentice Portal login |
Selection Process for MDL Trade Apprentice 2026
The recruitment for the MDL Trade Apprentice Batch 2026 will be conducted through a single-stage online written examination comprising objective multiple-choice questions. This test consists of 100 questions, each carrying 1 mark, to be completed within a total duration of 120 minutes.
Exam Pattern for MDL Trade Apprentice 2026
Overview of Examination Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Medium of Paper | Trilingual - Marathi, Hindi and English (with English being the final authority in case of discrepancies) |
Group A - Non-ITI Group (10th / SSC Level)
Applicable trades include Draftsman (Mechanical), Fitter, Electrician, Pipe Fitter, and Structural Fitter.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level / Syllabus Reference |
|---|---|---|
| English & G.K. | 25 | SSC Maharashtra State Board Level |
| Physics | 25 | SSC Maharashtra State Board Level |
| Chemistry | 25 | SSC Maharashtra State Board Level |
| Mathematics | 25 | SSC Maharashtra State Board Level |
| Total | 100 | 100 Marks |
Group B1 Syllabus (ITI Qualified - Draftsman, Fitter, Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, Painter General, ICTSM)
Applicable trades include Draftsman (Mechanical), Fitter (EX ITI), Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, Painter General, ICTSM (Information & Communication Technology System Maintenance), and RAC (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic).
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level / Syllabus Reference |
|---|---|---|
| English & G.K. | 25 | SSC Maharashtra State Board Level |
| Trade Theory | 25 | Prescribed Maharashtra ITI Trade Syllabus |
| Workshop Calculation & Science | 25 | As defined in the Maharashtra ITI Trade Syllabus |
| Engineering Drawing | 25 | Trade-specific syllabus |
| Total | 100 | 100 Marks |
Group B2 Syllabus (ITI Qualified - Plumber, Welder, COPA, Carpenter/Wood Work Technician)
Trades that apply consist of the following: Pipe Fitter, Welder, Computer Operator & Programming Assistant, Carpenter / Wood Work Technician.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level / Syllabus Reference |
|---|---|---|
| English & G.K. | 25 | 8th Standard of 10+2 System |
| Trade Theory | 25 | Prescribed Maharashtra ITI Trade Syllabus |
| Workshop Calculation & Science | 25 | As defined in the Maharashtra ITI Trade Syllabus |
| Engineering Drawing | 25 | Trade-specific syllabus |
| Total | 100 | 100 Marks |
Note for COPA Trade: Candidates applying for the COPA trade will face a different question distribution, focusing on 75 questions related to Trade Theory and 25 questions concerning English & G.K.
Group C - Non-ITI Group (8th Standard of 10+2 System)
Trades that apply consist of Rigger and Welder (Gas and Electric).
| Subject | No. of Questions | Level / Syllabus Reference |
|---|---|---|
| English & G.K. | 25 | 8th Standard of 10+2 System, Maharashtra State Board Level |
| Physics | 25 | 8th Standard of 10+2 System |
| Chemistry | 25 | 8th Standard of 10+2 System |
| Mathematics | 25 | 8th Standard of 10+2 System |
| Total | 100 | 100 Marks |
Detailed MDL Trade Apprentice Syllabus 2026
The syllabus for the MDL Trade Apprentice examination is organized by trade category, with each group having distinct subjects as detailed below:
1. Group A Syllabus (Non-ITI)
- English & General Knowledge - SSC Maharashtra State Board Level
- Physics - SSC Maharashtra State Board Level
- Chemistry - SSC Maharashtra State Board Level
- Mathematics - SSC Maharashtra State Board Level
2. Group B1 Syllabus (ITI Qualified - Draftsman, Fitter, Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, Painter General, ICTSM, RAC)
- English & General Knowledge - SSC Maharashtra State Board Level
- Trade Theory - according to the prescribed Maharashtra ITI syllabus for the respective trade
- Workshop Calculation & Science - according to the prescribed Maharashtra ITI syllabus for the respective trade
- Engineering Drawing - according to the syllabus of the respective trade
3. Group B2 Syllabus (ITI Qualified - Plumber, Welder, COPA, Carpenter/Wood Work Technician)
- English & General Knowledge - 8th Standard of 10+2 system
- Trade Theory - according to the prescribed Maharashtra ITI syllabus for the respective trade
- Workshop Calculation & Science - according to the prescribed Maharashtra ITI syllabus for the respective trade
- Engineering Drawing - according to the syllabus of the respective trade
- Note: Candidates in the COPA trade will face a different question split with 75 questions in Trade Theory and 25 in English & G.K.
4. Group C Syllabus (Non-ITI - Rigger and Welder)
- English & General Knowledge - 8th Standard of 10+2 system, Maharashtra State Board Level
- Physics - 8th Standard of 10+2 system
- Chemistry - 8th Standard of 10+2 system
- Mathematics - 8th Standard of 10+2 system
The official notification does not specify any particular topics that carry more weight, therefore, all subjects should be treated equally based on the information provided.
Preparation Tips for MDL Trade Apprentice Exam 2026
Identifying your specific trade group (A, B1, B2, or C) is essential, as each group encompasses various subjects and difficulty levels. Candidates in Group A and Group C should concentrate on revising concepts in SSC/8th standard level Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics using relevant Maharashtra State Board materials instead of more advanced content. In contrast, applicants in Groups B1 and B2 should emphasize their ITI trade syllabus, especially in Trade Theory, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Engineering Drawing, which constitute a significant portion of the exam.
Given that there is no negative marking, candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions within the designated 120-minute time frame instead of skipping any. Utilizing a timer during practice can enhance speed, as participants have an average of 1.2 minutes to answer each question. It's advisable to read the question paper in the language (Marathi, Hindi, or English) that the candidate is most comfortable with, while keeping the English version as the authoritative reference for clarification.
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FAQs on MDL Trade Apprentice Syllabus 2026
What is the MDL Trade Apprentice syllabus 2026?
The syllabus varies by trade group. Candidates in Group A and Group C are assessed on English & G.K., Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. In contrast, Group B1 and B2 (ITI-passed) candidates focus on English & G.K., Trade Theory, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Engineering Drawing pertinent to their respective ITI trades.
What is the exam pattern for MDL Trade Apprentice 2026?
The examination consists of 100 multiple choice questions totaling 100 marks, which candidates must complete in a time frame of 120 minutes, presented in a trilingual format (Marathi, Hindi, and English).
How many questions are asked in the MDL Trade Apprentice exam?
A total of 100 questions will be presented, contributing to a cumulative score of 100 marks.
Is there negative marking in the MDL Trade Apprentice exam?
No, there is no negative marking as stated in the official notification. Therefore, candidates will not lose marks for incorrect answers.
Where can I download the MDL Trade Apprentice syllabus PDF?
Candidates can obtain the syllabus by visiting the official MDL ATS/01/2026 notification on the Apprentice Portal. Admission cards will be available for download starting on or after 28 July 2026 by logging into the portal.